Neighbourhood Media Crows Nest Magazine | September 2023

PICK

#1 + HEAPS MORE TRUE CRIME CROWS NEST FEST MEET STUDIO A

Dear Crows Nest

HISTORY

The Creation of Crows Nest, Who Was Edward Wollstonecraft?

THANKS for having us! We are so excited to bring you the first ever 2065 Magazine. The plan will be to bring you new releases every 3-4 months, but in the meantime, you can stay in the loop with all things Crows Nest onlineneighbourhoodmedia.com.au/crows-nest.

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FEATURE

Studio A, Giving Intellectually Impaired Artists the Recognition They Deserve

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HUMANS OF 2065

Ash Magic, and His Journey to the Metaverse of Magic

COMMUNITY

What’s in Store for This Year’s Crows Nest Fest?

HUMANS OF 2065

Meet Mari - FS8 Pilates Studio Manager and Pro XXXX

TRUE CRIME

Who killed Charles Louis le Gallien?

HOME

Meet Top3 Design, a Haven for Lovers of Furniture and Design

HEALTH

Get Fit, but Make it Fun!

In this issue, we learnt about the birth of Crows Nest and Edward Wollstonecraft. We caught up with the team at Studio A, who are helping intellectually impaired artists gain the recognition they deserve. We met lots of cool local residents; a magician with a pretty substantial TikTok following, the creator of a super unique product (flex-a-tee) and a studio manager who is a professional bodybuilder in her spare time.

There’s a rundown on the upcoming Crows Nest Fest & Sustainability Fest, a true crime story from 1948, tips on picking designer pieces for your home, we met local Pets and looked at some fun ways to get fit + HEAPS more!

See you next time, Neighbourhood Media x

PUBLISHER - Neighbourhood Media

DESIGNER - Robert Everett

CONTRIBUTORS - Isabella Edwards, Jamie Apps, Tahney Fosdike, Alec Smart & Rob Everett

ADVERTISING - Georgie Pengelly - 0416 972 081

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Meet our Pets of 2065

PETS SHOP

Pets Available for Adoption with Maggie’s Rescue

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

There is no better time to shop local, make sure to show your support

HISTORY

Visitors to St Thomas’ Rest Park in West St, Crows Nest, will be familiar with the 4.5 metre high pyramid in a low-walled compound at the centre of the park. This is the marker of the final resting place of Edward Wollstonecraft, successful businessman in the early years of British settlement of Sydney, from whom the suburb of Wollstonecraft is named.

TEdward’s sister Elizabeth, for whom the pyramid was originally built in 1845, is also buried there.

THE Wollstonecrafts were the nephew and niece, respectively, of feminist author and avowed advocate of women’s rights, Mary Wollstonecraft, and also the cousins of her daughter, Mary Shelly author of Frankenstein (published 1818).

Edward Wollstonecraft’s business partner Alexander Berry, from whom Berrys Bay and Berry Island Reserve in Waverton are named, as well as the NSW town of Berry, is also interred below the stone pyramid. Alexander married Elizabeth Wollstonecraft in Sept 1827.

Alexander Berry had the pyramid built as a memorial to her, during a time when Egyptian-themed architecture, including pyramids and obelisks, often featured throughout the British Empire. Egyptian Revivalism, as it has come to be known, was triggered by the Napoleonic Wars (180315), when France and Britain fought to control Egypt and the North African continent.

CROWS NEST

Edward Wollstonecraft died in December 1832, aged just 49, in a cottage he built in 1821 on his 524 acres estate he called Crows Nest – the origin of the suburb’s name.

Crows Nest was part of a greater land grant of 2000 acres that Edward was given by Lachlan Macquarie (the 5th NSW Governor from 1810-1821). The Crows Nest estate extended from present-day St Leonards down to the harbour at Berrys Bay, where ships brought timber and merchant goods for the Berry & Wollstonecraft mercantile company.

After Edward’s early death, Alexander and Elizabeth built a larger stone house at Crows Nest, where the Berrys settled, leaving their Coolangatta estate in Shoalhaven.

After Elizabeth’s passing, large sections of the Crows Nest estate were subdivided, and a section given to the NSW Government for construction of the Milsons Point to Hornsby railway (completed 1893).

Alexander Berry became a recluse, and was eventually laid to rest beneath the pyramid tomb, in Sept 1873, aged 91.

The Crows Nest house was demolished in 1933, although the original entrance gates to the Crows Nest estate are still in use – at the Pacific Highway entrance to North Sydney Demonstration School.

So, who were Alexander and Edward?

By Alec Smart

The duo met whilst travelling to Spain, Edward a merchant, Alexander also a merchant trader and former ship’s surgeon, and lodged together in Cadiz. After forming a business partnership, they relocated to London, where they lived with Edward’s sister Elizabeth.

In January 1819, they set sail for New South Wales (albeit on separate ships), and established their mercantile partnership in a warehouse on George St in The Rocks (on what is now First Fleet Park).

In 1820, whilst Alexander was back in England, Edward received his land grant, whereupon Alexander chartered a ship and returned to Sydney in November 1821 with a range of merchandise to retail in their George St premises.

In 1822, they made several sea voyages down the south coast looking for suitable land on which to set up a farming venture. The new NSW Governor, Thomas Brisbane (182125), issued Berry and Wollstonecraft a land grant of 10,000 acres, on condition they utilise 100 convicts.

The land grant, near Shoalhaven Heads, was known as the Coolangatta Estate. To facilitate the movement of ships, the convicts, under the stewardship of explorer Hamilton Hume, were employed to dig a 191 metre canal with hand tools.

Linking the Shoalhaven River to the Crookhaven River, the first navigable canal in Australia, the team dug the channel in twelve days.

Edward remained in Sydney to oversee the business in George St, while Alexander secured two additional land grands of 4,000 acres apiece, eventually expanding the estate to 32,000 acres in the 1840s.

Alexander found Coolangatta unsuitable for sheep farming, so he drained the swampland and clearfelled the cedar and blue gum forests for timber before growing a variety of crops, chiefly tobacco.

Edward suffered from ill health, which led to his retreat to Crows Nest and premature death, but in spite of this he was very influential in his lifetime.

He became a magistrate, a director of the Bank of New South Wales and the Bank of Australia, and a chairman of the Chamber of Commerce from where he was instrumental in influencing economic decisions and directing international trade.

He was also secretary of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW and co-founder of the Philosophical Society of Australasia.

“Alexander Berry became a recluse, and was eventually laid to rest beneath the pyramid tomb, in Sept 1873, aged 91”.

LEARN

A Sydney based social enterprise that makes great art, and tackles the barriers artists with intellectual disability face in accessing conventional education, professional development pathways and opportunities needed to become successful and renowned visual artists.

SSTUDIO A is driven to ensure artists with intellectual disabilities have a voice in contemporary Australian culture and to provide employment to their artists through sustainable creative industry careers. Supported by Studio A , their artists are exhibiting and selling work, receiving commissions, licensing their intellectual property and working with leading companies in the commercial and arts sectors.

The Studio A program is structured to operate as a social enterprise, meaning revenue derived from the program’s activities is invested back into the program to increase its artistic and social outcomes. Income derived from the sale and exhibition of artwork directly benefits the artist. We sat down with Karla, Communications Manager, to learn more:

How long have you guys been operating?

Where did it all begin?

Upon experiencing a recreational art program for adults with disability, Gabrielle Mordy (Studio A CEO/Artistic Director) and Emma Johnston (Studio A Principal Artist) were wowed by the artistic talents displayed by certain participants. Despite the high quality of art being produced, for even the most dedicated artists opportunities to professionalise their talents did not exist.

Historically excluded from attending tertiary institutions and exhibiting in cultural institutions, the mainstream arts sector has been inaccessible terrain for artists with disability. Mordy and Johnston were motivated to change this. Inspired by supported studio models established in London, New York and San Francisco, they began to develop projects and initiatives to allow artists with disability to achieve their artistic and professional potential.

Studio A is now a leading Australian supported studio, operating with a dedicated team of artists, staff, art facilitators and volunteers since 2016. Over the years, we have continued to grow our capacity to create wider social change by securing milestone projects and commissions, engaging wider audiences and challenging stereotypes associated with disability.

What sort of support & programs do you offer?

Studio A provides a full time professional development service to our stable of artists with a working studio space equipped with specialist materials and support-staff. We support the creative development of their artwork & the range of management services necessary to market their work. We match our artists strengths with contemporary artists/creatives who have complimentary skills.

Along with the production of artwork Studio A delivers an exhibition series, public engagement program & manages the sale & delivery of a range of creative services including the lease, licensing & commission of artworks.

Have you always been based around 2065?

What is special about the Crows Nest community?

We have been located in Crows Nest since 2018. Our artists have always felt welcome and part of the community - this friendly attitude and openness toward diversity makes it a very accessible postcode. The North Sydney Council along with Denise, Graham and their team at the Crows Nest Centre have provided a wonderful working environment for our artists and they have made lots of friends in and around the centre.

The output of our studio has grown considerably over the years and so has the scale of the work we produce. This unfortunately means that we have outgrown the sunny top-level space of the Crows Nest Centre. The great news is that we are not moving far, we will still be in 2065, having found new premises in St. Leonards! So we are happy to say we will still be part of the lovely community that has embraced us over the past 5 years.

How can the local community get involved and support Studio A?

There are lots of ways! Purchase artwork and design products, commission an artist, license artwork, donate, volunteer, visit our exhibitions, follow us on Instagram and Facebook and join our mailing list!

Studio A: Artist Showcase

Damian Showyin, artist, and the incredible talent that created our Front Cover image.

How long have you been an Artist, Damian?

I’ve been an artist a long time. More than 20 years. I have been painting, drawing, weaving, and hand sewing. What do you like about working at Studio A?

It’s lots of fun. Because I like my artwork so much, and painting. I have fun with everybody. I have lots of friends at Studio A that make me feel happy. I like painting in different colours it makes me feel happy.

What has been your favourite work so far?

I have made so many it is hard to remember. I’ve got lots of favourites. I love painting in acrylic and watercolour most at the moment.

Where can the public see your art?

You can see my art online on the Studio A website and Google Arts & Culture. My art is also part of a big Studio A mural at UTS Central. Next year I will have an exhibition at Mosman Art Gallery.

Triangle Cards is a beautiful piece, what motivated you to create that?

The colours of the paint inspired me. I have been painting lots on cardboard, it’s fun. I use brushes on the cardboard. I think it looks good.

Was there a meaning behind the colours used?

Dark blue and pink and orange. I just use what is there,

what I like. Are you working on anything at the moment?

Yes. Making artwork for Mosman Art Gallery. I have an exhibition there in May. I’ll be doing a painting there on the wall. I’m excited about it. I have been playing with the boxes. Trying different things. I can’t wait for next year.

COMMUNITY

AFor many of us, the Metaverse feels like science fiction or magic. Upcoming theatre show, Metaverse Of Magic, looks to take that feeling and concept to the next level when it brings world-renowned magicians from around the globe to Sydney for a show blending magic, illusions and theatrical storytelling.

AT THE forefront of the show is an exceptional young magician named Lennox, portrayed by Sydney’s own Ash Hodgkinson (aka Ash Magic). To help us come to grips with what the Metaverse Of Magic entails, Ash spoke to Neighbourhood Media about his journey into the Metaverse Of Magic!

When & how did you first discover a passion for magic?

Well, I remember I was 11 years old and I was in the city, in Pitt Street Mall with my mum shopping or something. We were just walking around and saw a big crowd of people just gathered in the middle. We’re like, well, what’s going on? Just like any curious boy, I squeezed my way to the front of the crowd and there was this guy with a table set up and he was a magician doing tricks with people. He showed me this trick and it blew my mind.

As soon as I saw that I went home and just Googled and YouTubed every card trick I could learn. Then I spent the next few weeks just obsessing over it and learning all I could and now here I am.

Your following exploded very quickly with you gaining 1 million subscribers in just 2 weeks. How did that feel?

Oh, it was crazy. It was definitely a weird mix of emotions because it was in the middle of my HSC and I’d sort of been

stressing about that my whole life. School was never really my strong suit. I always felt so much more capable and preferred performing arts and creativity. So when it came to school exams and essays I was a bit in over my head.

So during those two weeks, I was stressing about exams, but the following and the videos started exploding. People started following me for my magic and my videos and fun stuff. So it was a little bit all over the place, lots of ups and downs, but it was perfect the way it happened. I was able to leave school and go straight into making videos.

Transitioning over to the Metaverse Of Magic show, can you describe the show for our audience?

Metaverse of Magic is a world-first stage spectacular magic show. It’s a mix of some breathtaking magic, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, mixed with high-tech illusions and cutting-edge technology. It’s a brand new show of its kind, especially with the interactivity.

Usually with magic shows people might come up on stage and they might help out with a magic trick or two. But with this show, it’s a sort of tailored experience for every audience member, they get to choose how much they interact using their smartphones, which I’m so excited for.

“Metaverse of Magic is a world-first stage spectacular magic show.”

Audience members can use their smartphones to help interact with the show. They get to control what’s happening on stage. For example, there’s a moment in the show where the audience gets to choose which trick the magician does by taking a poll. But also if you want to just sit back, relax and watch the show you can still do that too and have an amazing experience. What has it been like preparing for this show alongside a raft of other magicians?

It’s been awesome because I mean with all the TikTok stuff I’m working alone a lot of the time. Occasionally I’ll film videos with my parents, who are so supportive behind the scenes.

To be in a full ensemble with all these other amazing magicians and people I’ve looked up to my whole life and magicians I’ve seen on TV and America’s Got Talent is so cool. To be in the same room, working and jamming with these people is what I love about it the most. Do you have a favourite or signature magic trick?

I think a lot of the stuff that Lennox is doing at the start of the show is a lot of my own personal things. That’s what I think is so great about the show. It’s not just a bunch of magicians who are acting on stage trying to be different characters. Everyone’s characters are so embedded within our natural selves, which is so great.

It’s cool to take a lot of my own personal material that I love doing, and that I’ve been practicing waiting to bust out on stage.

During Metaverse Of Magic there’s a lot of this thing

called cardistry, which is the artistic manipulation of playing cards, which Lennox loves. And so a lot of that stuff is going to be really cool for audiences to see. Now that the show is fast approaching, how are you feeling ahead of the first performance?

Feeling great. I mean, I’m just excited to start and get it happening.

With all of these big productions, there’s so much going on in your head so it’s not until you actually get on stage and do it with an audience sitting there watching the show that you go, ‘oh my God, this is real. This is happening.’ Following the Australian tour the show is set to tour the globe. How does that feel?

It’s great. I’m still a little bit lost for words in terms of the world tour stuff. I’ve travelled and seen the world with different magic shows here and there but to be part of a full production that’s doing a full world tour is great.

A lot of times you put so much effort into a show but you only do one or two performances for a very specific event. So to be able to take the same show on tour and work at it to make it as amazing as possible is gonna be so cool.

COMMUNITY

THE phenomenal Crows Nest Fest is making its celebrated return to Willoughby Road on October 15th 2023 in its biggest bash yet. With over 30,000 attendees expected and more than 150 stallholders to set up shop, a litany of delicious produce, fantastic activities and artisanal goodies can be expected by the street-full!

Crows Nest Fest will boast an amazing array of attractions – whether you’re looking to entertain the kids with a family day out or enjoy the festival with friends, there is something for everyone!

Hosted by Crows Nest Mainstreet, Crows Nest Fest celebrates the vibrant Crows Nest community and colourful residents and businesses that make Crows Nest what it is!

FOOD ALLEY

No trip to Crows Nest Fest would be complete without a visit to Food Alley. Situated along Burlington Street, Food Alley hosts a wide variety of gourmet vendors and food stalls as well as local cafés, restaurants, and bars. With plenty of food styles and cuisines to try, Food Alley is sure to tickle your tastebuds!

MUSIC STAGES

It could hardly be a festival without live music! Thankfully, attendees at Crows Nest Fest will be serenaded by multiple live acts across two stages, all day long! The Ernest Place stage will host a range of musicians and groups programmed by Big Music, one of Crows Nest leading music institutions. You can also find local school bands and dance groups serving up dazzling performances on the Holtermann Street stage.

KIDS ZONES

Crows Nest Fest just gets kids - This year there will be a plethora of activities and entertainment for children!

The Kids Zone will feature the likes of street entertainers, buskers, pony rides and even a petting zoo. It will also see the return of the favoured Circus Playground to Hume Street Park. There, you will find performers, balancing acts, unicycles, juggling toys and stilts. It’s sure to be a great day out for little kids – and big ones too!

LICENSED ZONES

Of course, there is the perfect play space for adults as well! The Crows Nest Fest will have exclusive licensed zones including selected boutique wine and spirit marquees and tasty snacks as well as “Greektoberfest” hosted by local restaurant Xenos. You will also find all-day entertainment at The Crows Nest Hotel, on the top end of Willoughby Road. What better way to spend a Sunday in Spring!

Crows Nest Fest is an all-ages, free entry event. Given road closures, public transport, walking and cycling are the recommended ways of getting to the event, however limited parking will be available in the surrounding side streets and parking stations.

Crows Nest Fest will be held along Willoughby Road in the Crows Nest shopping precinct from 10am – 5pm on October 15th. For more information, please visit the Crows Nest Mainstreet. We’ll be sure to see you there!

Hashtag: #CNF23

TGet inspired at the North Sydney Living Futures Sustainability Festival day, coming to The Coal Loader on Sunday 29 October from 10am to 4pm.

THE festival day for the North Sydney Living Futures Sustainability Festival is almost here! Get ready for stalls, entertainment, food, talks and workshops. Learn about growing plants and composting, e-bikes and electric vehicles, eco-friendly food and sustainable fashion. The day will cover every aspect of life you can think of –providing inspiration and practical knowledge to take home and apply. Even small changes in everyday behaviour can have a big impact, inspiring others and triggering a ripple effect.

Keeping the kids entertained at the festival will be easy too. Find the secret garden, visit the solar-powered ice-cream truck or settle in for a performance by waste crusaders The King and Queen of Green. There will be music, Storytime Sessions with Stanton Library, eco face-

painting and a scavenger hunt. You can also meet some Australian native reptiles in the live wildlife show.

North Sydney Council encourages festival goers to take sustainable transport to the event – that is, catch public transport, walk or cycle. Cyclists can get a free bike tuneup once they arrive and use the valet bike parking service. Bring your reusable water bottle and coffee cup, as well as any items you’d like to fix (e.g. small electrical items, textiles, bikes), swap (e.g. art, kids’ clothes, adult clothes), or donate (old or damaged bikes).

Learn more at: northsydney.nsw.gov.au/homepage/146/living-futures-festival

HUMANS OF 2065

MEET MARI

This professional bodybuilder has been the face of FS8 Crows Nest ever since it opened in Sept 2022. When she’s not training for comps or spending time with her precious pup, Odin, she is committed to the FS8 Crows Nest community and teaches classes all week long! Mari is passionate about helping locals step out of their comfort zones to try new ways of working out and achieving their fitness goals. We had a chat with Mari to learn more.

HHOW would you describe FS8 to a new enquirer?

FS8 is a 50-minute class that is low-impact group fitness and high on results. The room is split into 2 or 3 sections, and we work through timed stations that are displayed on screens, as well as having an experienced instructor coach you through the moves. We combine Pilates, light weights and elements of yoga which results in better posture, core strength, mobility, flexibility, balance and coordination. We can also report a big increase in quality of everyday life! Members say that they feel stronger, have more energy, are more mobile, experience better sleep and that FS8 is a great mood booster! It’s also fantastic for injury rehab and injury prevention.

FS8 is described as being a mix of Pilates, tone, and yoga. What about it makes it more beneficial than traditional Pilates?

Because we combine the three different modalities, our bodies are constantly put under different forms of adaptation. It is a 3-dimensional workout, which means that no body part is left without being challenged, and hence, we start to move better through our kinetic chains Can you tell us a little bit about the training you do outside of FS8?

I love lifting weights and resistance training, but I also love mobility training and mindful training, as well as CrossFit. I believe movement is medicine and that you should never stick to just one form. Also, I compete in bodybuilding and am currently in preparation for a show this November. This will be my 5th season competing and a new federation for me, so I’m very excited!

How do you feel FS8’s unique approach to fitness benefits the Crows Nest community specifically?

Firstly, we welcome anyone through our doors! We are non-intimidating, non-threatening or pretentious. We cater to every fitness level. Everyone in our studio knows everyone’s names - there are amazing friendships being built in our studio!

When you’re not at FS8, what do you like to do with

your spare time?

I love spending my spare time with my dog Odin, taking him for walks and playing games with him. He’s a 2-yearold Groodle with lots of energy! Over the last couple of years, I’ve gotten into surfing, which I’m terrible at, but its so much fun! It’s a great community, and it’s great to see more and more women learning to surf. I’ve also done some really cool surf retreats overseas where I’ve made lots of new friends.

How has the response to FS8 from the Crows Nest Community been?

The response has blown us away. We work in fitness to help people improve their lives, and with the reviews and feedback we have received about FS8, we are honoured that we are achieving our goal.

What does FS8 Crows Nest do differently?

Our attention to detail. Our genuine care factor of taking care of our community. And having fun! We immensely enjoy delivering the FS8 fitness experience- and you will too!

What are the main goals of participants of FS8, and how is FS8 helping them meet their goals?

Our participants have many different goals but the main ones are to improve core and full body strength, move better, relieve back pain, increase flexibility and know they get a great workout without any jolting or jarring impacts on the body.

To try your hand at FS8 head to: fs8.com/crowsnest/home to register.

You can also stay keep up-to-date with Mari’s bodybuilding and to see all the fantastic things she gets up to at FS8 Crows Nest, by heading to Instagram and follow @fs8_crowsnest_pilates and @mgptfit

AAFTER observing that some of their own older family members were having trouble putting on a plain t-shirt, the innovative designers at Care & Style came up with a solution: the Flex-A-Tee. It’s a t-shirt style top that features easy to press studs along both shoulder lines.

By undoing the studs, the neck of the t-shirt can be widened or completely opened up, allowing the user to step into the garment and pull it up over the hips. The studs can then be closed to allow as much freedom around the neck or arms as is desired.

The t-shirt is unisex and designed so that there is no defined front or back, which means it can’t be put on the wrong way around. It has a classic, comfortable cut and is available in five different sizes, two lengths, and choice of basic black or white, making it very versatile.

The Flex-A-Tee is ideal for people with shoulder, neck or head injuries, limited mobility or other difficulties or

accessibility needs, including: post-surgery (sometimes known as medi-wear), upper body range of movement restrictions, easy accessibility for breastfeeding, comfortable elderly clothing, during chemotherapy, sensory issues, the ability to change clothing without dislodging a cannula, and ease of dressing for carers.

Care & Style is an Australian owned company and FlexA-Tee is made locally, without using plastics and is carbon neutral wherever possible.

You can order Flex-A-Tee garments from their website or from selected stockists. Flex-A-Tee is a registered NDIS provider.

For more information and to order a Flex-A-Tee t-shirt, visit: www.flexatee.com

Adaptive clothing for people with a wide range of mobility issues

The simple t-shirt has to be one of the most basic and ubiquitous items of clothing — everyone has at least one. And they are easy to get on and off, right? Well, not if you have mobility issues or a whole range of other factors that can make raising your arms or wearing off-the-shelf clothing a bit of a challenge.

TRUE CRIME

An horrific crime scene.

By Jamie Apps

led a life marred with contradictions. Despite the façade of a family man and a successful businessman, he led a double life – that of a playboy. The whispers of his secret dalliances, particularly with the mysterious Edith, brought to the forefront more questions than answers. Charles had left his family home at 75 Chelmsford Avenue, East Lindfield 10 months earlier to set up a love nest in an exclusive hotel in Kirribilli.

Theories abounded. Some whispered of a jealous lover, scorned and enraged. Others suggested that the deceased had a secret harem of lovers. But the secretive man covered his tracks too well for detectives, for they struggled to identify any other than Miss de Groen.

But as the hunt for Charles’ elusive lovers continued, an unexpected twist came into the light. Charles Ivan le Gallien, the 17-year-old son of the murdered man, found himself in the eye of the storm, ensnared by accusations and suspicions. As the threads of the investigation tugged at the frayed edges of the le Gallien family fabric, secrets threatened to emerge.

On October 5th, Charles Ivan was formally charged with murdering his own father.

THE INQUEST

IIN THE dimly lit engineering workshop in Crows Nest, the lifeless body of Charles Louis le Gallien lay sprawled on the floor, a grim testimony to a brutal murder that would shake the North Shore of Sydney to its core. The sheer savagery of the attack was evident: the walls and desk splattered with blood, his left ear severed, and wounds that spoke of unchecked rage and violence.

Detectives were tipped off by a call from Miss Edith Grace de Groen. Trembling with fear, relaying a cryptic message from the deceased. She had expected to share a meal with Charles that evening, in her apartment at 97 Bent Street, Neutral Bay, but the increasing number of calls from him, growing more urgent with each passing minute, hinted at a looming danger he couldn’t escape from. She begged the police to race to Charles’ workshop at 319 Pacific Highway Crows Nest, but they were too late.

As Superintendent James, Detective-Inspector Ramus, and a fleet of officers from the Scientific Bureau descended upon the crime scene, the powerful arc lights revealed the chilling details of the office interior and the body that lay within. The search for evidence uncovered traces of blood in a washbasin, suggesting the murderer had cleaned up before fleeing. But the office bore no signs of a struggle, leading investigators to believe that Charles was caught off guard, and brutally attacked from behind while he was on the phone. A postmortem revealed death by a threeinch blade wound to the heart at approximately 9 p.m. on September 30th, 1948.

The investigation took detectives to the Le Gallien family home where the tapestry of Charles’ complex life began to unravel. Charles, a talented engineer and a titan in his field,

On October 20th, a Coroner’s Inquest was held to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged case of patricide. Charles Ivan Le Gallien, the accused, was brought to court amidst much public interest. The courtroom was packed, indicating the sensation the case had caused in the public sphere. He was represented by a noted barrister, Mr. James John Benedict Kinkead K.C.

KEY TESTIMONIES:

Constable Klyne: Described a past altercation between Charles and his father, in which the father was intoxicated and Charles made threats against him.

Reginald James Turk: A colleague of Charles, spoke about discussions on potential ways to kill Charles’ father, including hiring him to commit the crime. Under crossexamination, he revealed that the discussions were not always serious in nature, and were sometimes just banter among young men.

Harold Mahony: Revealed an offer made by Charles to kill his father for £1000 and a car. Charles suggested poisoning his father’s schooner of beer at the Union Hotel, North Sydney, the deceased’s watering hole. It was to have happened on the night the murder took place. Under crossexamination, Mahony admitted that he thought Charles Ivan was deadly serious about the offer.

Detective Inspector Ramus: Presented Charles’ confession, in which Charles detailed a heated conversation with his father in the Crows Nest workshop that escalated to violence, resulting in the stabbing arising from a desire to defend himself out of fear for his own safety. He claims his father did not want medical treatment and told him to go home after.

Following the testimonies and evidence, the defense counsel, Mr. Kinkead, advised Charles not to provide a testimony. The coroner then made the decision to commit Charles Ivan Le Gallien for trial without bail.

THE TRIAL

The autumn chill in Darlinghurst Court was tangible, but it was nothing compared to the cold weight of anticipation hanging in the air on Wednesday, November 24th. Whispers filled the room as curious spectators filled every available seat, eager to witness the trial of Charles Ivan le Gallien. Accused of murdering his father, Charles Louis le Gallien, the young man stood tall and pleaded ‘not guilty.’

On the first day, the Crown prosecutor, the imposing Mr. R. V. Rooney, K.C., presented his case. Charles had allegedly slain his father after a heated argument over money turned physical. But the plot thickened: witnesses would claim Charles had spoken of orchestrating his father’s death to cash in on the insurance, offering staggering sums to anyone willing to do the deed.

Edith Grace de Groen, aged 30, was the first to take the stand, her testimony scrutinized by Mr. Kinkead. Tensions mounted as de Groen was questioned about her relationship with the deceased, hinting at past indiscretions and an affair that had lasted since she was employed by Charles Louis as a typist when she was 16 and Charles was 35.

Day two saw four young men — Carroll, McGill, Turk, and Mahoney — echoing their testimonies from the coronial inquest.

By day three, the courtroom held its collective breath as Charles Ivan recounted the fateful night, painting a turbulent picture of a fractured family. Tales of domestic strife and betrayal set the backdrop: a father wanting to abandon his family for another woman, Betty de Groen. But it was the story of that night that gripped everyone — a brutal altercation, an act of self-defense, a penknife turned deadly weapon. And after? A young man trying to grapple with the horror of his actions, attempting to clean up and conceal the reality of what had happened.

Mr. Rooney’s cross-examination was relentless, highlighting discrepancies and confronting Charles with hard truths about his lifestyle. Was he the neglected son fighting for his family’s honor, or was he a privileged young man whose desires spiraled into tragedy?

The courtroom watched, captivated and torn, as truths, half-truths, and possible fabrications wove together, each revelation shedding new light on that fateful night. With emotions running high and testimonies sending shockwaves through the gallery, the gavel finally fell. The court was adjourned until the following day.

As the sun rose on the fourth day of the trial, the tension in the courtroom was palpable. The days leading up to this moment had been filled with shocking testimonies, and the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. Mrs. Le Gallien’s testimony painted a vivid picture of a household marred by alcoholism, rash decisions, and violence. Her revelations about the night of the murder further implicated her son, Charles Ivan, in her husband’s death. She confessed to knowing Charles had killed his father, and then lied to detectives about his whereabouts that night in order to protect him from the law.

On the fifth day, Mr. Kinkead’s comments regarding Miss de Groen provoked a mixture of amusement and shock from the public galleries. The implication was clear: there was something more to Miss de Groen’s relationship with the deceased than met the eye. But Mr. Rooney’s stern defense reminded the court to focus on the facts at hand,

rather than indulge in salacious speculations.

By the sixth day, the momentum seemed to favor the prosecution. Mr. Rooney’s address to the jury was forceful. He portrayed Charles Ivan le Gallien as a young man so desperate for his father’s death that he might have outsourced the murder. The Crown’s suggestion of a quick and brutal attack, rather than a prolonged struggle, seemed to align more with the evidence presented. The references to Shakespeare’s King Lear further emphasized the tragic and emotional gravity of a son’s betrayal.

Mr. Justice Herron’s concluding remarks were an amalgamation of wisdom and sternness. The judge was clear in asserting that nothing that transpired within the tumultuous le Gallien household could justify murder. No marital betrayal, no household discord, no youthful impulse was an excuse for taking another’s life.

And then came the climax everyone had been waiting for - the jury’s decision. The courtroom held its breath as the foreman announced the verdict: guilty. Charles Ivan le Gallien, just 17 years old, was condemned to a lifetime in penal servitude. In Justice Herron’s eyes, this case was more than just one family’s tragedy; it was symptomatic of a growing juvenile delinquency problem in the city that needed to be stamped out.

Justice Herron received death threats after handing down this sentence and was forced to live under police protection, the bodyguard becoming his golfing partner.

Charles Ivan le Gallien was sent to Long Bay prison until being transferred to Goulburn where in 1955, he completed his leaving certificate with a B in English. He played saxophone with the prison orchestra until he was released by the Minister of Justice on parole in 1960 due to a strong belief the man had been reformed.

HOME

Brand: Stelton

Product: EM Ships lamp 43cm

Price: $1233

top3.com.au

FFOR Rosita Missoni, her visit to Australia held a special highlight: an enchanting sojourn and lunch at top3 by design. She enthused that nowhere else on the planet did her fabulous fabrics and throws blend so seamlessly into everyday life. And she couldn’t have been more accurate.

At top3 by design, you’ll find a confluence of the world’s top design brands – names like Tom Dixon, Freifrau, Janua, Stelton, Audo, Norman Copenhagen, Northern, Muuto, and, of course, the iconic Missoni home collection. Here, they come together in a harmonious symphony, creating an ambiance of indoor-outdoor luxury and leisure that’s second to none.

But that’s not all. The experience at top3 by design is elevated further by the inclusion of carefully chosen First Nation artworks and the likes of contributions from Australian celebrity interior designer and friend of the store, Greg Natale. This rich tapestry of design is rooted in a foundation of quality, showcased by a curated selection of rugs from the likes of Toulemonde in Paris, as well as Scandinavian classics such as Stelton, Audo and Muuto.

Since its inception in 2001, top3 by design has set the standard for design-focused products in Australia. Terri and Bernd Winter, the visionary founders, embarked on this journey due to a glaring lack of accessible design products

in the Australian market. Terri’s expertise in this domain has earned her a prominent role as a chief judge for the Australian Design Awards and a presenter on the renowned Australia by Design TV series.

According to Terri, their distinction lies in the fact that all their furniture is made in Europe, ensuring unparalleled materials, quality and craftsmanship. This commitment to excellence helps justify the sometimes higher-than-average prices as good design is often cherished by generations to follow, rather than end up by the side of the road.

So, next time you find yourself wandering the 2065 neighbourhood, make it a point to drop by top3 and meet the welcoming team. Kristie, the manager (who also holds an interior design degree), along with design aficionados like Heidi, George and Tarek, who are genuinely passionate about helping you discover the design pieces and interior objects that will enhance your everyday life.

If you’re in the mood for a sneak peek or need a special gift delivered, simply visit top3.com.au.

In the heart of Crows Nest, a suburb brimming with character, is top3 by design, a true design mecca that has captured the attention of global luminaries — including the legendary Rosita Missoni.

Brand: Missoni Home Product: keith bathrobe

Price: $605

top3.com.au

Brand: Northern Product: Loud bar cabinet in black painted oak

Price: $6600

top3.com.au

FAMILY LAW WILLS & ESTATES

Brand: Freifrau

Product: Leya lounge swing seat

Price: From $5350 top3.com.au

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HEALTH

FOR some, fitness is a lifestyle, “a choice they make every morning” (an actual quote overheard from a hardcore gym goer). They can spring out of bed at 6 a.m. on a Saturday morning to run an absurd amount of kilometres, fueled by nothing but the kale inside their ‘pre-workout’ skinny juiceand honestly, all power to them! For others, fitness may be a bit of an afterthought or a casual encounter. There are a few strolls here and there, some achy legs from dancing until the weekend’s wee hours and maybe the occasional bushwalk with their one overzealous friend. The lead-up to summer, with its more frequent beach visits and the wearing of fewer layers, is generally when fitness, or lack thereof, comes into sharp focus for everyone.

While some chomp at the bit to get started, eagerly making plans to drink plenty of electrolyte-infused water or shots of straight celery juice (don’t try that at home - or anywhere), others ponder trepidatiously on how they will get beyond the first step. All of the experts say consistency is key, and we know it’s much easier to stay consistent at something you have fun doing! So, we’ve found some ways you can get cracking on your fitness journey in a fun way. Even better, you can do them all super close to home!

POLE DANCING

There is nothing that delivers a full-body workout quite like pole dancing. Pole dancing has a complex and multifaceted history, with origins dating back to ancient civilisations. It was seen in travelling circuses right across the US in the 1920s and 1930s. The 70s/80s saw a transformation into more ‘adult’ performances with the emergence of burlesque and ‘club’ dancing. In the late 20th Century, a shift in perception recognised pole dancing as a legitimate form of exercise, leading to an explosion in popularity and the emergence of competitions and conventions worldwide. Pole Dancing is an art that needs to be mastered through regular practice, conditioning and strength-building over time. Luckily for you - Crows Nest has its very own studio - book in and try it out for yourself today.

Your local: PoleDance Academy - L3/28 Clarke Street, Crows Nest Classes $38 | Weekly class membership $35

INDOOR CYCLING

Indoor cycling has become increasingly popular over the past few years. With benefits like improved cardiovascular health, better endurance and effective calorie burning, it’s no wonder so many people are hopping in the saddle. Not only are classes fun, you can really challenge yourself as well with workout options to accommodate people of all fitness levels, and ambitions! Everyone is welcome, whether you want to improve your performance, or just zone out and escape. If you love great music and surrounding yourself with a supportive community, this is probably the fitness activity for you! Thanks to our friends at CycleBar Crows Nest, you can grab a free ride at cyclebar.com.au and see for yourself!

Your local: CycleBar Crows Nest - L1/51 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest Classes from $39 | Memberships available

FAs the days get longer and temperatures start to rise, there’s excitement in the air with the promise that summer is just around the corner.

PILATES

Is it Yoga? Is it Tai Chi? Pilates focuses on improving core strength, flexibility, balance, and body awareness. It was first developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, this fitness system emphasises precise movements, controlled breathing, and a holistic approach to physical well-being. But we’re talking about FS8 Pilates here, who want to bring less “Ommm” and more “Oomph”. Their classes mix the best elements of Pilates, toning and yoga for a full-body group training experience. There are over 30 workouts, and more than 3000 exercises combining Pilates reformer, mat work, dumbbells and activation bands. The FS8 Crows Nest space is gorgeous, and it’s all about community - new members always report feeling welcomed and comfortable as soon as they walk in the doors. At the moment, FS8 Crows Nest is offering 14 days of unlimited classes for only $49 - bargain!

Your local: FS8 Crows Nest - 123 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest

Classes from $30 | 2 x Classes per week (membership) $39

MARTIAL ARTS

This ancient discipline includes a range of combat and self-defence techniques that have evolved over the centuries. Martial arts have a holistic approach to personal growth, teaching not only self-defence but also mental resilience, respect for others, and a strong sense of discipline. One of the most iconic figures in martial arts history, Bruce Lee, was able to emphasise its practicality and adaptability, leading to an explosion in popularity across the globe. Fortunately for 2065 residents, we have a local North Shore gym with more than 30 years training experience under their belt. These guys love nothing more than training, fitness and martial arts. They welcome (and encourage) all fitness levels and cater to each student individually, pushing you more out of your comfort zone each time. Head in for a no-obligation trial today.

Your local: Wyllie Martial Arts - 94 Penshurst St, Willoughby Classes from $20 | Class packs available

104/201 MILLER STREET, NORTH SYDNEY

PETS

BELLA & BETTIE MILKA

BELLA & BETTIE - This purrfect pair didn’t always live in the lap of luxury, they started life on the streets of Glebe, which is currently overrun with stray cats. They fortunately wound up with their new Mum at 5 weeks old, and at almost 16, they have had a much happier life in their Crows Nest apartment ever since. These guys made such an impression on their new Mum, they inspired her to dedicate a huge part of her life to rescuing and rehoming street cats in conjunction with Inner City Strays - now that is a happy ending!

MILKA - This gorgeous 3 year-old is a Tri-Colour Beaglier, and she’s named after the Chocolate thanks to her super sweet colouring. Her favourite thing in the world is chicken, followed closely by cheese. She is also quite a genius, and fully able to use the ‘fluent pet’ buttons made famous by TikTok! The word she presses most is puzzle - we wonder why?

Is your pet a star? Submit your photos to our Facebook page

OOperating since 2011, Maggie’s Rescue is a co-operative of volunteer foster carers and passionate animal advocates working together to get as many foster dogs and cats as possible into their ideal forever homes. Maggie’s has a no-kill philosophy and uses a Foster-to-Adopt approach, key to the organisation’s success, as it rehabilitates each animal in preparation for their new life.

ALEJANDRO - 10 months - Domestic Shorthair: Don’t cry for meow, Alejandro! This beautiful boy has an amazing voice, but he doesn’t just meow, he chirps! Alejandro is a sweet young tabby who just wants to cuddle up to you, but being the polite young lad he is, he’ll first “ask” if it’s ok to snuggle by giving you an enquiring glance. He loves to keep you captive by snoozing on your lap or in your arms, in fact, you’ll find him curled up right next to you at night in bed. This loving boy is looking for his forever person who’s happy to enjoy cuddles from a handsome and affectionate cat.

LOCOMOCO - 7 months - American Staffordshire Terrier: Locomoco is a fun, cheeky, stunning American Staffy with eyes that will melt the coldest of hearts. She is confident and greets all humans with that signature full body staffy wag that makes any bully breed lover beam with joy. This clever girly walks well on leash, is crate trained, has good manners around food and travels like a dream in the car.

What was the First Name of the local merchant Wollstonecraft was named after?

Social enterprise that supports artists with disabilities giving them access to artistic careers?

You can find a sustainable ice cream cart at the upcoming North Sydney Sustainability Festival, which is powered by?

Which Theatre is hosting the Metaverse of Magic?

Damian ______, talented artist and creator of our 2065 #1 Front Cover image

Where can you take an Indoor Cycling class in Crows Nest?

The trial of Charles Le Gallien took place in which courthouse?

4. Whose favourite thing is chicken, closely followed by cheese?

6. Name of the adorable Staffy currently available for adoption with Maggie’s Rescue?

9. First name of head trainer at FS8 Pilates Studio?

3. What was the First Name of the local merchant Wollstonecraft was named after?

1. Where can you take an class in Crows Nest? rles Le rthous

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